Tuesday morning was devoted to visiting the places connected with the life of St. Bernadette: the Parish Church, the Cachot which revealed the dire poverty in which the little girl lived. At 11 a.m. we were asked to meet on the steps of the Rosary Basilica where a photo of the whole Pilgrimage was taken.

Then followed a visit to the Museum where among the many interesting collections we were particularly fascinated by a model of Lourdes as it was 100 years ago. In the afternoon some of the older girls went to help wheel the sick to the Blessing but the majority were taken on other visits, as the rain was torrential.

At the Cinema we saw a short film which gave authentic photo and explained the history of Lourdes. Upstairs was another Museum, consisting of small models depicting imtiortant events in St. Bernadette's life. These models were made by the two brothers Serraz - the same sculptors who did the Crucifix in our chapel at Soissons. The models were beautifully done - lit with coloured lights and well chosen colours.

The "Moving Crib" was another model we visited a complete village carved in wood, showing 200 different figures at work. In the centre was the Crib of Bethlehem, Mary holding her Child Jesus; His little arms and legs were moving and so was His head.

The Magi were offering their gifts and one was making a low bow of adoration. As we came out into the otien, rain was so heavy that we were compelled to return home - and once more the drying process began! Every available radiator was used and the Sisters kept the heating on to help as much as they could. Our Lady asked a big sacrifice of us. Mass was to be said at the Grotto at 9.30 p.m. for our Pilgrimage.

We had looked forward to this as the culmination of our visit to Lourdes, but it was impossible for the majority to be present. Hot supper and early bed was the programme for those who had no dry garments to put on, so only a small group was able to go to the Grotto. Before Monsieur L'Abbe Defong began Mass, a large candle was placed before the Grotto for the intentions of the Pilgrimage.

It would have been such a joy to know that everyone was present, but as the ,priest pronounced the words "for all here present and for all faithful Christians" we realised that all of us hart our share in the great Sacrifice.

Wednesday morning saw us up before 6 a.m., as there was packing to finish and luggage had increased considerably after all our shopping. It was not possible to go to Mass at the Grotto but we received Holy Communion in the Chapel at the Fover and immediately after breakfast boarded the coaches.

Here a change was made in the distribution of the parties so that we might have an opportunity of getting to know those with whom we had had little contact during the first half of our journey. Our stay at Lourdes had been all too short, and with sad but grateful hearts we drove near the Grotto to say a final farewell to Our Lady, and we continued our journey singing "Ave" and the "Magnificat" for the great privilege which we had enjoyed.

Biarritz was our next objective, and en route we passed roads with snow heaped up, stretches of nine woods with yellow broom growing under the trees in large clumpssuch a contrast to the grey skies: roses in bloom, iris, May blossom, stocks, pansies, and forget-me-nots in all the eardens. At Biarritz we stopped for picnic lunch. It was very windy but the sea was a picture, splashing over the rocks. When we first caught a glimpse of the sea, the children were delighted and exclaimed "Sand." Several of them paddled for a few minutes - just to say they had been in the Mediterranean,

Passing along the coast we struck inland again and touched the Spanish frontier, but were not allowed into Spain without visas. The scenery was less varied for the rest of the way - pine woods on all sides - and we missed the contrasts of mountain and valley which had been so striking on the earlier stages of the journey.

The night was spent at Bordeaux, half the party being housed at "La Solitude" and the other half at a Convent of the Sisters of Charity, well out in the country. Our "Good Morning" one to another was from coach to coach as we had to be on our way early, in the hope of reaching Lisieux by night. Crossing the Garonne we took the direction of Poitiers, stopping at Liguge to visit the Abbey which was originally built in 361.

Remnants of the old building remain but the new Church is entirely modern in style. The journey was long but it afforded us an opportunity of seeing so much of the French countryside that it was an experience in itself. We reached the river Loire, so wide and beautiful, with its famous chateaux, and made for Tours, where we passed the famous Cathedral, but did not stop as we were pressed for time.

The route was through Le Mans and Alencon. In the latter town, the driver was kind enough to deviate so that we might drive past the house in which Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus was born. From this point the road was straight and almost deserted so that the driver was able to accelerate to prevent our arrival at Liseux being too late.

From South to North in one day, it had been good going and at last we alighted at the "Ermitage" where we were to spend the night. By the time supper was over and we went to our rooms it was 10.30 p.m., and we heard and saw the history of Liseux from our windows, and also the Basilica illuminated.

Were we tired after the long coach ride? No-one stopped to think; we were eager to be up in time to hear Mass at the Carmel Chapel. The next two hours were soent visiting Le Buissones, the home of the Martin family, kept as it was when they inhabited it. As we looked at Saint Teresa's bed, her playthings. skipping rope, doll's tea-set, etc., we realised tbat the saints are indeed human beings like ourselves, and not far removed from ordinary life.

Having returned to Carmel, we visited the Hall of Relics and finally made our way to the Basilica, where the modern mosaics formed a striking contrast to some of the ancient buildings we had seen. Many impressions were gathered during our brief visit, and before lunch we were once more in the coaches on our way to Chartres.

We visited the Cathedral and admired the exquisite stained glass windows. Our next halt was Versailles. Time did not permit us to view the interior, but even the exterior gives an idea of the luxury of the buildings, there indeed is regal splendour, with the setting of lawns and fountains.

Our arrival in Paris was badly timed and we were caught in the endless stream of traffic. The consequent slow progress of the coaches was excellent for sight-seeng, but most trying for the drivers. At 9 p.m. we finally reached our Convent at Soissons, and who should be there to greet us but Reverend Mother General - a lovely surprise for the end of the journey.

We were happy to spend this last night at one of our own Convents, and the short time available next morning was devoted to a short tour of the House and a visit to the Cathedral. Then came the "Good-bye's" with especial thanks to Reverend Mother Viet and Mere Grimmer and Mere Gibrin who had done so much for us throughout the Pilgrimage.

En route for Paris once more, our feelings were mixed - sad that these happy days were drawing to a close, but joyful at the thought of seeing our families again. When we left the coaches at the Gare St. Lazarre, thanks to the thoughtfulness of Reverend Mother General, Mere Aliot met us, and after depositing our baggage, she took us to the place we all wished to see, the Chapel at the Rue du Bac, where Our Lady appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure.

The last hour was spent in the Bon Marche, where we did our final shopping before boarding the train for Le Havre. Luckily, our places were reserved, for the train was simply thronged. We steamed away towards the coast, carrying with us memories that will delight ourselves